1/15/201, Headliners
Times New Viking/Guided by Voices
The Guided by Voices classic line-up reunion was one of the most anticipated brief moments in 2010, consisting of six weeks, 24 shows and many platter-fulls of compact songs. Fellow Ohio band Times New Viking joined GBV throughout this tour, and returned again to end it here in Louisville- so they brought the party to Headliners Saturday night.
The show started traditionally late and Times New Viking took the stage like champs. They performed on a GBV kind of status, like a band that was still going strong, and the fan base was noticably appreciative of the music. However, when the sign on the stage lights up "The Club is Open," usually everyone knows what that means. It's time for headlining troupe Guided by Voices to take over.
Robert Pollard immediately started drinking and guitarist Mitch Mitchell was already passing out free beer by the end of the show. They pounded through many of the standard "hits" of GBV, several songs from Bee Thousand ("Gold Star for Robot Boy" "Echos Myron" "Smothered in Hugs,") a few gems from Alien Lanes ("My Son Cool" "Game of Pricks" "Pimple Zoo") and some nice surpises ("Squirmish Frontal Room," "Exit Flagger"). Also, did I mention three separate encores? The first two were more GBV songs at random. The third was more about everyone not giving a shit. Pollard was pretty drunk by this time, so he led the band in a narrated solo spree of instruments, repeating names and saything they don't give a shit. It was a pretty interestlying confusing finale to a short-lived tour.
If you've missed out, or want to relive the golden moments, there are plenty of taped performances of this past tour and are available for purchase through Pollard's online store, The Factory of Raw Essentials.
"Cut-Out Witch" from the album Under the Bushes, Under the Stars, performed on Saturday.
Photos: Lara Kinne
